32nd senate district candidates make last push to get votes
VIROQUA, Wis---Tuesday is the 32nd senate recall election. So candidates are making one final push to reach out to voters.
State Senator Dan Kapanke is knocking on doors trying to earn more votes for Tuesday's 32nd Senate District recall election. While his opponent, State Representative Jennifer Shilling, is trying to swing voters her way.
"We're going to be out there reminding people that Tuesday is the election day. If people are thinking about vacations over voting or thinking about the pool over politics, we just need to make sure that people are aware of what's happening," said Shilling.
"We're doing targeted doors here, to make sure people get the word. We want to make sure they know it's August 9th if they haven't voted already in absintee. We want to make sure they go to the polls on Tuesday," said Kapanke.
Kapanke is one of several state senators facing a recall election. He was targeted for supporting the controversial collective bargaining law.
Shilling was against the law. She says taking away collective bargaining rights for most public employees goes too far.
"I have voiced my concern against my own party and my own Governor about what I think is not the right direction that we are going in. We have not seen that from my opponent," said Shilling.
However, Kapanke says he's the best candidate because he helped balance the state's $3.5 billion dollar budget shortfall. The plan will help people get back to work.
"We've had good early results from what has happened in Madison, starting in February to now of saving money and school districts and municipalities. We've had good results in dealing with the shortfall in revenues that's coming out of Madison. These are very, very positive stories. We're growing jobs and balancing our budget," said Kapanke.
Shilling also supports balancing the budget, but she says familiesi n the 32nd believe Republicans have gone too far in the process.
"They're concerned about the deep cuts to education. They're concerned about the tone and tenure in Madison. They're concerned about the process. It's something that they don't recognize and they don't feel comfortable with," said Shilling.
Still, Kapanke says Wisconsin is headed in the right direction.
"Look at what's going on in Washington with the mess there and the stock market tumbling. All of that puts fear on countries like the United States and European countries not getting a handle on their fiscal responsibilities. Here in Wisconsin we've taken those steps. Wisconsin is on the right path and we want to stay there," said Kapanke.
Republicans currently control the Wisconsin Senate. If Democrats win three seats in Tuesday's recall election, they'll have the majority. However, three Democrats are facing recall elections next month.
As a reminder, people will be asked to show a photo ID if you vote on Tuesday. However, one is not required to cast a ballot. Officials are using the recall elections as another practice run on the state's new voter ID law.
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(Copyright 2011 by WKBT News8000.com)
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